An animal rescue coalition is urging government to put its current intervention plan on hold, until further collaboration can take place on managing a feral cat population in Little Bay Islands.
Government issued a release saying it will make sure feral cats in the area are safely trapped or euthanized if necessary.
The Coalition of Feline Rescues NL says government should collaborate with the Coalition of Animal Rescues NL and the feral cat rescue groups from Nova Scotia, to ensure the best outcomes for all of the cats on Little Bay Islands.
They want government to consider redirecting resources allocated for euthanasia to support their relocation to Nova Scotia, under the care of the feral feline rescue groups.
The group states the establishment of a feeding or monitoring station for a short period of time will ensure that all cats remaining on the island are accounted for.
The Coalition claims best practice research has revealed that relocation takes place only as a last resort. In this case, it indicates that relocation seems to be the only alternative to euthanizing the colony. Therefore, best practice in this situation means following a strict relocation protocol with the proper resources.
The Nova Scotia group has offered to take the animals, and the Coalition indicates it has decades of experience in the successful relocation of feral cats.
The group accepts that euthanasia is a better alternative to no intervention, but they contend that it is not the only available option.
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Meanwhile, government says the private veterinarian contracted to assess the feral cat population on Little Bay Islands has chosen to withdraw their services.
Government says the Animal Health Division of Fisheries and Land Resources does not expect to find a suitable replacement veterinarian in the coming weeks.
The intention, government says, was to ensure feral cats in the community were safely trapped and assessed by qualified professionals to determine whether they are suitable for adoption, or should be euthanized in a humane manner. Animals considered to be good candidates for adoption would be brought to animal shelters.
While the efforts of community groups to rehome the cats is appreciated, veterinarians with the department remind people that adult feral cats are not considered to be suitable for adoption, and cannot survive without the assistance of humans.